School Board Begins First Steps to Satisfy White Pine School’s Needs

The Jefferson County School Board had a regular meeting at Patriot Academy on Thursday, October 22, 2015. An opening motion was made by Cavanah to approve the agenda (2^nd Bradley), followed by a motion to accept the minutes of Sept. 24, 2015 by Vines (2^nd Cavanah), both of which passed. The first item discussed was the renovation of White Pine School. After a brief summary of the project’s standing and much discussion, a motion was made by Cavanah (2^nd Vines) to match the $1,000,000 that would be voted on during that night’s County Commission meeting. Concern was raised regarding the conceptual drawing for the plan, with Potts stating that “conceptual drawing” was too vague, and that the board needed some idea of what a $2 million plan would look like. It was decided that Cavanah’s motion would include the stipulation that the school’s kitchen receive a schematic design first, before addressing classrooms. Potts also requested an RFP for White Pine expenditures.

Next on the agenda was an update on the status of Building 8 at JCHS. Phagan stated that structural upgrades to the building are complete, with most of the work expected to be done by December. Following this, a brief summary of the Boys and Girls Club was passed out, and it was revealed that Edmonds would have the 2^nd draft of the Five Year Plan is a few days.

Appalachian Electric Cooperative was on hand to present a generous donation of $63,345.66 to the Jefferson County School System for its many years of concern and attention to efficient energy consumption, as well as express excitement on working on the White Pine School project.

Next, the Student Nutrition NETCO Agreement was briefly overviewed, with the board expressing general satisfaction in it. A motion to approve was made by Potts (2^nd Bradley) and passed. The Policy Changes for Review and Adoption were largely passed with a motion by Bradley (2^nd Potts). Only the 5.2001 Service Initiative and 5.110 Compensation Guides and Contracts being pulled for revision, the former being accepted by a motion by Bradley (2^nd Pots) that clarified some language, and the later being requested by Potts to send back to the Policy Committee alongside 5.2001.

General Budget Amendments #4 and #5 were accepted with a motion by Cavanah (2^nd Potts), as was Federal Budget Amendment #3, also in a motion by Cavanah (2^nd Potts). The last piece of new business was the approval of 2015 – 2016 Teachers for Tenure. Cavanah made a motion to accept (2^nd Potts), which passed.

Next, the Board looked at the Student Athlete Consent to Treatment Form. Edmonds clarified that the statement had been revised by an attorney to enhance the privacy of the students. Concerns were raised over whether this would apply to the new elementary basketball league and if students will need physicals, to which Edmonds stated that he would find out soon at a principals meeting. The form was approved in a motion by Potts (2^nd Cavanah)

Last on the agenda was a report on window repair bids by Phagan. It was revealed there are bids at $44,500 for Maury and just under $40,000 for Piedmont’s windows. With two of the windows already financed, Potts made a motion (2^nd Bradley) to use the Appalachian Electric Cooperative donation for the repair of the remaining windows; the motion passed. Potts made a final request for a summary at the next board meeting regarding the roof restoration update, as well as an update by the finance department on the funds for pavement work.

A final motion was made by Potts to adjourn and was appropriately seconded, passing and ending the meeting.